A republic is a representative form of government ruled according to a charter, or constitution. A democracy is a government ruled according to the will of the majority. These forms of government are often confused, yet they are quite different. The fundamental difference between a republic and a democracy is the charter or constitution that limits power in a republic, often to protect the individual’s rights against the desires of the majority.
Please, please, please remember and honor what we have here in America... its a Republic. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the R E P U B L I C for which it stands.” We also have a constitution, that includes amendments like the First, Second and even the Fourteenth. Whenever or if ever our government decides it is necessary or desirable to test boundaries of a constitutional right, it must be done with caution and great respect for our constitutional boundaries. Further, it should only be done if the benefit to be gained is so great and certain that it far outweighs any damage done by the constriction of individual liberty.
While many of the provisions of the recent 2020’s laws have a surface appeal to some, it is far from certain that any of them will have significant effect in reducing hate speech, gun violence, abortions or denying a political candidate their opportunity to campaign. We must fight for and sustain our Republic versus creating someone’s “labeled” Democracy.
Kevin Holian
Dingman Township